Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks goes gold

Since 1992, the Mortal Kombat franchise has treated console owners and arcade-goers to countless hours of bone-crunching, spine-ripping action. But despite its age, the series is showing no signs of pulling any punches.

Today, Midway Games announced that the new spin-off of the series, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, has gone gold. The PlayStation 2 and Xbox game is now primed to take on all comers at retail on September 19, when it ships to stores. The game is rated M for Mature and will retail for $49.99. The game was developed by Midway Studios Los Angeles--formerly Paradox Development--with input from Midway Studios Chicago.

Like previous Mortal Kombat games, Shaolin Monks will deliver the series' signature brand of ultraviolent hand-to-hand carnage. However, the game departs from the strict one-on-one arena format of previous installments and is instead a Ninja Gaiden-esque action adventure. Players will be able to play as several classic MK characters in single-player mode, or they can team up with a friend in the two-person "ko-op" mode. However, the game will still retain many of the series' fighting elements, including special attacks. Now, though, those attacks can be built up as the game progresses, and players will also be able to attack multiple enemies at once.

For more on Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, check out GameSpot's previous coverage, including our recent behind-the-scenes preview.